About Kelpies
Why the Kelpie stands apart
The Australian Kelpie is purpose built for work, intelligence, and partnership. Over generations they have been refined into dogs with instinctive herding skill, superb stamina, rapid learning ability, and a temperament that bonds tightly with handlers whether on a remote station or in a busy family home.
Work Ethic & Drive
Built with relentless focus and an internal motor for long days of activity.
Intelligence
Fast learners who read stock and handlers with exceptional sensitivity.
Versatility
Equally at home mustering sheep or winning in agility arenas.
Quick Facts
- Size: Medium, athletic
- Energy: High — daily work required
- Lifespan: 12–15+ years
- Coat: Short, weather-resistant
- Suitability: Working farms, active families, competitive sports
Grooming and care
Kelpies are practical and low maintenance: Short double coat sheds seasonally and benefits from regular brushing to remove loose hair. Routine care: nail trims, dental hygiene, and ear checks
A concise origin & purpose
The Kelpie emerged in late 19th and early 20th-century Australia from collie type dogs selected specifically to handle the unique demands of Australian pastoral work. Selection focused on instinct, independence, stamina and structural soundness traits that made them indispensable across the continent’s varied terrain. Today’s Kelpie remains a purpose bred working dog that also thrives as an engaging companion when bred and raised responsibly.
Kelpies Extraordinary Key traits
Intelligence & Trainability
Kelpies are among the sharpest working breeds. They learn commands quickly, adapt to dynamic situations and often anticipate handler needs. Positive, varied training and short, focused sessions unlock their best performance.
Herding Instinct & Work Drive
From puppyhood Kelpies show an instinctive eye and willingness to control stock. Their drive allows them to work independently or respond to subtle handler cues ideal for mustering, yardwork and complex stock tasks.
Physicality & Endurance
Compact, muscular, and agile, Kelpies are built for sudden direction changes and sustained movement over long distances. Their stamina makes them reliable for prolonged workdays.
Temperament & Loyalty
They form deep bonds with their handlers, attentive, loyal and often protective without unnecessary aggression. With early socialisation many Kelpies are calm and affectionate at home.
Why own a Kelpie?
Owning a Kelpie is less about getting a pet and more about forging a partnership. They transform jobs: stock work becomes more efficient, training sessions become rewarding, and everyday life becomes actively engaging.
- Work simple tasks for you: A Kelpie speeds up mustering, reduces handler fatigue, and enhances stock control.
- Excel in sport and challenge: Their drive and agility make them natural athletes in agility, flyball and obedience.
- Deep, loyal companionship: They are not aloof; they choose a person or family and invest their energy and attention in that bond.
“A Kelpie is the kind of dog that repays effort tenfold. Train them, give them a job, and they will surprise you every day.”
Care, exercise & lifestyle needs
Kelpies require purposeful management. Provide them the right environment and they will thrive, neglect their needs and they will invent jobs of their own.
Daily Exercise
At minimum 60–100 minutes of focused activity (mustering, running, agility, working sessions). Mental work training, puzzle games, scent work is equally important.
Training
Short, consistent sessions with clear rules. Reward based methods, varied tasks and a confident, consistent handler yield the best results.
Health & Veterinary Care
Responsible breeders screen breeding stock and provide health records. Standard care includes vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and routine checks. With good management many Kelpies remain active into their teens.
Our Pedigree Chart
